Remote-controlled vehicle for transporting bio-waste

ABSTRACT

A remote-controlled vehicle for collecting and transporting bio-waste that is capable of compacting bio-waste, dumping the waste in a variety of ways, and that has a rechargeable battery, among other functions, is disclosed. A system for collecting the bio-waste material also is provided. The system includes a plurality of collection receptacles associated with a structure, each of the plurality of collection receptacles receiving the bio-waste material without the use of water as a carrier. A transport network extends from each of the plurality of collection receptacles to at least one storage receptacle located at the structure. A plurality of vehicles, or carts, is disposed within the transport network and collect the bio-waste material.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation application of a co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/932,983, filed Oct. 31, 2007, entitled“Remote-Controlled Vehicle For Transporting Bio-Waste,” which is acontinuation-in-part of: (i) U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/119,842, filed May 2, 2005, entitled “Train-Operated Biowaste RemovalSystem,” which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 10/725,217, filed Dec. 1, 2003, entitled “Methods, Systems, AndDevices For Saving Natural Resources Usable in a Building Structure,”and (ii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/537,470, filed Sep. 29,2006, entitled “Methods, Systems, And Devices For Saving NaturalResources Usable in a Building Structure,” which is a continuationapplication of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/725,217, nowabandoned. The disclosures of each of the above applications are herebyincorporated herein by this reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to methods, systems, and devicesfor saving natural resources. More specifically, the present inventiongenerally relates to substituting mechanical and electromechanicaldevices and systems for waste disposal systems that traditionally usewater as a carrier medium.

2. The Relevant Technology

In recent years there has been an attempt to protect and preservenatural resources, while accommodating changes in city, state, andcountry populations. The quantity of natural resources is limited, whilethe demand for such natural resources continues to increase at adramatic rate. There is a tension between the need to use naturalresources for, say, eating, drink, heating, etc, while protecting orcontrolling the quantity of resources used. Illustratively, there is atension between the need to develop land for an increasing populationbase and protecting natural forests and wet lands. Further, there is atension between generating new fuel sources and adversely affectingpristine land.

In addition to protecting the natural resources associated with land andfuel sources, such as wood, oil, gas, and coal, there is a need topreserve water resources. With an exploding world population, availablewater resources are being overextended. Existing technologies areincapable of reducing the quantity of water used for every day living.Waste of consumable water occurs because of antiquated water systemsthat lose water or use water in an efficient manner. For instance, manyexisting water supply lines leak allowing significant quantities ofculinary water to seep into the ground surrounding the water line.

In addition to losing and wasting water through antiquated supplyinfrastructure, modern toilets inefficiently use water. Currently, wateris the primary carrier for removing bio-waste. Toilets remove humanwaste, while use of sinks, drains, and faucets facilitates removal ofanimal waste. For many years, a significant quantity of water was wastedthrough the use of inefficient toilets that used excessive quantities ofwater to “flush” bio-waste material using a toilet. In recent years, andby resulting Government action, there has been a reduction in the amountof water used to flush bio-waste material. Although this preserves somenatural resources, still more must be done to alleviate the strainexerted on existing water supplies.

In addition to the problems with preserving water resources, otherproblems arise with providing electricity to homes, factories, etc. Withthe escalating cost of natural resources, such as gas and oil, the costfor treating wastewater continues to increase. Further, the increasingdemand for electricity drives the cost for building and maintaining theelectricity infrastructure upward. When available electricity fallsbelow the needed supply, blackouts become the norm. These blackouts costthe nation significant amounts of money and productive time.

Needed are methods, systems, and devices that alleviate the need forwater as the primary source for removing bio-waste, and by so doing aidwith preserving natural resources. Additionally, needed are methods,systems, and devices that can facilitate conversion of bio-wastematerial into an energy resource.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides methods, systems, and devices thatalleviate the need for water as the primary carrier for removingbio-waste, and by so doing aid with preserving natural resources.Additionally, the present invention provides methods, systems, anddevices that can facilitate conversion of bio-waste material into anenergy resource.

In one embodiment of the present invention, methods, systems, anddevices are provided that save natural resources through substitutingmechanical and electrical-mechanical devices and systems for water as acarrier medium for removing bio-waste materials. Through using a networkof collection receptacles associated with a physical structure, such asa home, office, warehouse, or other physical structure. The collectionreceptacles receive bio-waste material, while removal of the bio-wastematerial occurs through a transport network. This transport networkincludes various tunnels, chambers, etc. Through the network movesmechanical or electro-mechanical devices that automatically collect andpackage bio-waste material deposited in the collection receptacle. Inparticular, the invention discloses a remote-controlled vehicle thatmoves within the network as well as outside the network, collecting andcompacting bio-waste material, transporting it to various possiblelocations: local storage, a local recycle facility, a remote recyclefacility, to machines (on-site or off-site) that can turn blocks orcubes of compacted bio-waste material into energy, or to other desiredlocations on-site or off-site, such as a waste treatment plant.

According to another aspect of the present invention, provided aremethods, systems, and devices that utilize collected and packagedbio-waste material as a fuel source. Homes, factories, or other buildingstructures can include a dedicated recycle system that burns thebio-waste material, converting the bio-waste material into electricityusable by the home, factory, or other building structure. Alternatively,as set forth, collected or packaged bio-waste material can betransported to one or more centrally located recycle facilitates thatburn the bio-waste material, again creating electricity.

These and other objects and features of the present invention willbecome more fully apparent from the following description and appendedclaims, or can be learned by the practice of the invention as set forthhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of thepresent invention, a more particular description of the invention willbe rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which areillustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that thesedrawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and aretherefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention willbe described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic representation of an exemplary system ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic partial cross-sectional perspectiverepresentation of an exemplary building structure of the exemplarysystem of FIG. 1, with associated collection receptacles, carts,network, and local storage according to one configuration of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic perspective representation of anexemplary local network for the exemplary building structure of FIG. 2Aaccording to one configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary collectionreceptacle of the exemplary building structure of the exemplary systemof FIG. 1 according to one configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary collectionreceptacle of the exemplary building structure of the exemplary systemof FIG. 1 according to one configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary liner for theexemplary collection receptacles of FIGS. 3 and 4 according to oneconfiguration of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of another exemplary collectionreceptacle of the exemplary building structure of the exemplary systemof FIG. 1 according to one configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exemplary collectionreceptacle illustrated in FIG. 6 according to one configuration of thepresent invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exemplary collectionreceptacle illustrated in FIG. 6 according to one configuration of thepresent invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of another exemplary collectionreceptacle of the exemplary building structure of the exemplary systemof FIG. 1 according to one configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic partial cross-sectional side viewrepresentation of an exemplary building structure of the exemplarysystem of FIG. 1, with associated collection receptacles, carts,network, and local storage according to one configuration of the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of an exemplary cart of the exemplarybuilding structure of the exemplary system of FIG. 1 according to oneconfiguration of the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic partial cross-sectional side viewrepresentation of an exemplary building structure of the exemplarysystem of FIG. 1, with associated collection receptacles, carts,network, and local storage according to one configuration of the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of an exemplary cart of the exemplarybuilding structure of the exemplary system of FIG. 1 according to oneconfiguration of the present invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of another exemplary cart orvehicle of the present invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exploded view of the vehicle of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of the vehicle of FIG. 14 whileperforming an unloading operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present invention overcomes many of the problems associated withexisting bio-waste systems. Specifically, the present invention utilizesa technology that improves health and sanitation for humans and animals,by reducing handling of bio-waste material and hence reducing possiblecontamination, creation, and harboring of disease-producing bacteria,germs, and viruses, produced by mixing water and waste material.Further, the present invention reduces the expense for treatment of suchwaste water and reduces the cost and maintenance for upgrading theexisting networks that transport waste water to various treatmentfacilities.

The present invention described herein relates to systems, methods, anddevices associated with using machines as the carrier of bio-waste orbio-solids in dwellings, homes, houses, buildings, or any otherstructure that bio-waste or bio-solids are created and removal ofdeposits is required for sanitation. In this manner, the systems,methods, and devices replace water as the carrier of bio-waste, therebysaving natural water resources. Further, the present invention relatesto utilizing the collected bio-waste material as a fuel source tosupplement and, in some cases, substitute for existing naturalresources, such as wood, coal, oil, and gas. By so doing, the presentinvention provides additional resources rather than eliminating orreducing the available natural resources.

Referring now to FIG. 1, depicted is a schematic representation of anexemplary system of the present invention designated by referencenumeral 10. The system 10 includes one or more building structures 12that are remote from a remote recycling facility 14 where collectedbio-waste is converted into electrical power, such as by burning orother manner of obtaining energy from the collected bio-waste. The useof the term “recycle facility” includes other facilities such as, butnot limited to, treatment plants, bio-gas plants, or other facilitiesthat can use the collected bio-waste.

Building structures 12 communicates with the remote recycling facilityby way of a transportation network 16. This transportation network 16accommodates vehicles, trains, or other conveyances, schematicallyrepresented and identified with reference numeral 17, capable ofcarrying bio-waste from building structures 12 to recycle facility 14.For instance, transportation network 16 can include existing orcustomized roads, rails, tunnels, waterways, combination thereof, orother structures that facilitate collection and delivery of bio-wastematerial.

Optionally, system 10 can include a control center 18 in signalcommunication with building structures 12, recycle facility 14, and/orsuch vehicles 17 moving along transportation network 16. This controlcenter 18 delivers signals carried by electromagnetic waves, such asmicrowaves or radio waves, to building structures 12, recycle facility14, and/or the vehicles 17 using transportation network 16 to controlthe collection, packaging, and/or recycling of bio-waste material.Analysis of signals received from building structures 12, recyclefacility 14, and/or the vehicles 17 using transportation network 16enables computers, including hardware and/or software modules andcomponents, and individuals at control center 18 to manage bio-wastecollection, transportation, and recycling. One skilled in the art willappreciate that each building structure 12, recycle facility 14, and/orvehicle using transportation network 16 can include appropriatetransmitter and receiver capable of receiving the desired signals.Further, each building structure 12, recycle facility 14, and/or vehicle17 using transportation network 16 can include global positioningtechnology for use in pinpointing the location of the same.

The individuals using building structures 12, whether it is a factory,home, office, etc, generate quantities of bio-waste, such as fromcooking, cleaning, urinating, defecating, or other manner of creatingbio-waste. To reduce the quantity of water used to remove this bio-wastefrom building structures 12, system 10 uses waterless collection devicesto collect and package bio-waste instead of water.

Each building structure 12 includes one or more waterless collectionreceptacles 20, a network 21 for transporting the bio-waste collectedfrom collection receptacles 20, and a local storage 24 for bio-wastecollected and packaged at the particular building structure. Optionally,each building structure 12 can include a local recycle facility 26 thatcan use the bio-waste for powering the particular building structuregenerating the collected bio-waste. For instance, local recycle facility26 can be a smaller version of remote recycle facility 14 that burns thebio-waste to create electrical power for the building structuregenerating the bio-waste.

Additionally, each building structure 12 can include a local controlcenter 28 that governs or controls the collection of bio-waste at thespecific building structure. This local control center 28 can includehardware and software modules and components to control movement of thecollection devices and motorized carts or vehicles to collect andpackage bio-waste instead of water. The local control center 28 managesoperation of local recycle 26 and can make requests to control center 18for pick-up of collected bio-waste. These communications and requestscan be made using any type of telecommunication network, includingwireless, microwave, radio frequency, fiber optic, combinations thereof,or other telecommunication technology that enables transmitting andreceiving, collectively transceiving, of signals.

The transportation network 16 associated with system 10 is used to carrythe collected and packaged bio-waste to remote recycle facility 14.Vehicles 17 can periodically visit each building structure 12 and gatherthe collected and packaged bio-waste. These vehicles 17 can transportthe bio-waste to remote recycle facility 14 where it is converted toelectrical energy, such as by burning. This network 16 can includeroads, rails, tunnels, or other transport infrastructure to carry thebio-waste. Each vehicle 17 can include sensors and receivers tointercept signals from control center 18 that controls the collection ofbio-waste material. These vehicles can be automatically controlled bycontrol center 18 or manually controlled by the operator of the vehicleupon receiving instructions from control center 18. Examples ofremote-controlled vehicles according to the present invention aredisclosed and described in more detail below.

With reference to FIG. 2A, depicted is a schematic representation of anexemplary building structure 12. To reduce the quantity of water used toremove bio-waste from building structure 12, building structure 12includes one or more collection receptacles 20 that receive thebio-waste. One or more electromechanical carts 30 collect bio-waste fromthese collection receptacles 20. This is in contrast to traditional orexisting buildings where flowing water carries the bio-waste.

Carts 30 move within a local network 21 within building structure 12.The local network 21 includes one or more shafts, tunnels, channels,chutes, pipes, or tubes, termed herein individually a “transport member”22 and collectively “transport members” 22. These transport members 22crisscross the interior of building structure 12 and provide a path forcarts 30 to collect bio-waste, and following packaging of the bio-wastematerial into fuel blocks, transport the bio-waste to a local storage 24for short-term or long-term storage.

For illustrative purposes, FIG. 2B depicts the local network 21 of FIG.2A, which comprises the transport members 22, while the schematicrepresentation of the building structure 12 of FIG. 2A is shown inphantom lines. As set forth above, transport member 22 may be shafts,tunnels, channels, chutes, pipes, or tubes 22. Although not shown inFIG. 2A, FIG. 2B shows transport members 22 extending down into abasement of the building structure 12. In addition, FIG. 2B shows a cart30 as it would move within a transport member 22, and also shows anothercart 30 without wheels as it would move on a transit system 23 that canbe stationary tracks, rails, cables, chains, belts, pneumatic systems,hydraulic systems or other structures that serve as a transit system 23.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, illustrated is an exemplary collectionreceptacle 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Thiscollection receptacle 20 collects bio-waste directly from the occupantsof building structure 12, such as when an occupant urinates ordefecates. Other collection receptacles can collect bio-waste indirectlyor directly from occupants of building structure 12. For instance, othercollection receptacles can collect wastewater or other bio-waste fromwaste disposal sinks or other similar structures within buildingstructures 12.

Collection receptacle 20 can have the form of a chair or stool similarto existing toilets. However, collection receptacle 20 eliminates theneed for water as a carrier of the bio-waste collected throughcollection receptacle 20. Collection receptacle 20 has a main body 40with a reservoir 42 mounted thereto. The main body 40 has a lowerportion 44 adapted for attachment to a floor or generally horizontalsurface upon which collection receptacle 20 is to rest, such as with thebuilding structure 12 (FIG. 2B).

As shown in FIG. 4, an upper portion 46 of main body 40 includes a lip48 that supports a seat 50. Disposed between upper portion 46 and lowerportion 44 is a drawer 45 that is slidably received within a chamber 52that receives the bio-waste material. The drawer 45 includes a lip 47that cooperates with a liner 54 dispensed to a user from a linerdispenser 56, as will be discussed in more detail hereinafter. Thedrawer 45 is mounted on two sliders 49, only one being illustrated inFIG. 4, which is in turn mounted to main body 40. Each slider 49 can beany rail-type slider that allows movement of one structure relative toanother. For instance, slider 49 can include a rail mounted to main body40 that cooperates with a rail mounted to drawer 45, one or both of therails including bearings, rollers, or wheels to reduce friction betweenthe rails and enable movement one to another. One skilled in the art canidentify various other configurations or mechanisms to facilitatemovement of drawer 45 relative to main body 40.

The liner 54, as shown in FIG. 5, has an open end 60 that cooperateswith lip 47 of collection receptacle, while a closed end 62 locateswithin chamber 52. A user can remove liner 54 from liner dispenser 56and mount the same to lip 47 of drawer 45. This liner 54 releasablycontacts lip 47 by way of an elasticated portion 64 that releasablysurrounds a portion of lip 47 of drawer 45. In another configuration,liner 54 includes, optionally in addition to elasticated portion 64, alayer of releasable adhesive that attaches to lip 47 of drawer 45 sothat a portion of liner 54 extends into chamber 52. In still anotherconfiguration, liner 54 releasably contacts lip 47 of drawer 45 throughthe forces of friction or static electricity, optionally in addition toelasticated portion 64 coupling liner 54 to lip 47 of drawer 45. Instill another configuration, liner 54 includes an elastic snap ring thatcooperates with lip 47 of drawer 45. In still another configuration,liner 54 includes press-on seal plastic portions that couple liner 54 tolip 47 of drawer 45. In still another configuration, liner 54 and/or lip47 of drawer 45 include one or more adhesive spots, tabs, or tapes thatcouple liner 54 to lip 47 of drawer 45.

Liner 54 securely collects any bio-waste material deposited therein andprevents a portion of the bio-waste material escaping from liner 54. Toaid with this, liner 54 includes drawstring 66 close to open end 60 thatfacilitates closing of liner 54. A user manually operates drawstring 66to close open end 60 of liner 54. Manual operation of drawstring 66occurs, either directly or indirectly, by way of intervening levers,gears, linkages, mechanical or electromechanical components, combinationthereof, or other manners by which movement of a user initiates movementof drawstring 66. Optionally, moving drawstring 66 to close open end 60releases the contact between liner 54 and lip 47 of drawer 45, therebyenabling liner 54 to drop into an awaiting cart or storage receptaclefrom which the cart removes the bio-waste.

Generally, liner 54 can be fabricated from synthetic materials, naturalmaterials, combinations of synthetic and natural materials. Morespecifically, liner 54 can be made from paper, plant material, wood,composites, cloth, plastics, polymers, or other materials. Additionally,liner 54 can be coated with or receive an absorbent material that causesliquids deposited into liner 54 to become a gel. For instance, colloids,hygroscopic chemicals, bio-polymers, cationic dry polymer, combinationsthereof, or other materials that can absorb a liquid. The liner 54,alone or in combination with an absorbent material deposited withinliner 54, absorbs gases and neutralizes odors of the collected bio-wastematerial. This can be achieved by an absorbent material that congealsand deodorizes liquids, such as but not limited to, bodily fluids.

Returning to FIG. 4, reservoir 42 includes a hole 70 that cooperateswith chamber 52. An interior chamber 72 of reservoir 42 communicateswith hole 70. This interior chamber 72 holds an absorbent material 74that can be deposited into liner 54 prior to collection of bio-wastematerial. This absorbent material 74 can be deposited within interiorchamber 72 through a top of reservoir 42, such as by removing a lid 76thereof. Alternatively, absorbent material 74 can flow into interiorchamber 72 through a fill hole 78 and associated piping, illustrated bydotted lines, such as blown into interior chamber 72 using appropriatedfans, fiber moving equipment, etc.

The absorbent material 74 can be any material that will absorb fluidsdeposited within liner 54. These materials can include, but are notlimited to, fibrous materials that have been shredded, ground, chopped,and/or pulped into small pieces before being blown into interior chamber72. Exemplary materials include, but are not limited to, paper, plantmaterials, plastic, composite wood, composite plastics, clay, sand,shells, earth, stone, cloth, bee wax, animal bi-products, solidifyingchemicals (gels), odor neutralizers, gas modifiers, deodorants or airfresheners, natural and chemical preservatives, modified non-combustiblecomposite materials that have a reduced potential of spontaneouscombustion, recycled cellulose fibers, organic plant waste, grassclippings, leaves, weeds, seeds, wood, bark, shavings, needles, chips,sawdust, ground corncobs, shredded stover, stocks, and cornstarch,straw, flax, oat, wheat, chopped hay, shells, husks of coca, peanut,cottonseed, oats, chia seeds, combinations thereof, or other materialthat can absorb fluids associated with the collected bio-waste.

This absorbent material 74 can be directed into hole 70 through theforces of gravity and use of a guide member 80. Alternatively, feedscrews, rams, plungers, spinning spindle wheels, or other mechanical orelectro-mechanical devices can be used to direct a quantity of absorbentmaterial 74 into liner 54. Lever 86 (FIG. 3) connects to guide member 80through a linkage (not shown) so that moving lever 86 (FIG. 3) in thedirection of arrow A moves guide member 80 in the direction of arrow Bto allow a quantity of absorbent material 74 to pass into liner 54, asillustrated by arrow C, prior to or following depositing of thebio-waste into liner 54. In this manner, the user can deposit anyquantity of absorbent material into liner 54. By moving lever 86 in theopposite direction, guide member 80 moves to prevent passage ofabsorbent material 74 into liner 54.

In addition to the configuration described herein, one skilled in theart will appreciate that various other manners are possible by whichliner 54 locates within chamber 52 and cooperates with lip 47, or someother portion of main body 40. Similarly, there can be various othermechanisms to deposit absorbent material 74 within liner 54.

With reference to FIGS. 6-8, illustrated is another exemplaryconfiguration of a collection receptacle, identified by referencenumeral 120. This collection receptacle 120 collects bio-waste directlyfrom the occupants of building structure 12 (FIG. 1), such as when anoccupant urinates or defecates, in a similar manner to collectionreceptacle 20. The discussion of collection receptacle 20 applies to thefollowing discussion with respect to collection receptacle 120.

With reference to FIG. 6, collection receptacle 120 has a main body 140with a reservoir 142 mounted thereto. The main body 140 has a lowerportion 144 adapted for attachment to a floor or generally horizontalsurface upon which collection receptacle 120 is to rest. An upperportion 146 of main body 140 includes a lip 148 that supports a seat 150that is omitted from FIG. 6 to aid with explanation, but shown in FIGS.7 and 8. Extending from an opening 149 in upper portion 146 to anopening 151 in lower portion 144 is a chamber 152 that receives thebio-waste material. Additionally, chamber 152 receives a liner 154 froma liner dispenser 156 (FIG. 6). This liner 154 cooperates with seat 150and interior chamber 152 and provides a container for bio-wastematerial.

Formed in lip 148 or upper portion 146 are grooves 160. Grooves 160receive a portion of seat 150 (FIG. 7) to enable seat 150 to moverelative to reservoir 142. More specifically, seat 150 (FIG. 7) includesa number of rollers 162 that slide along groove 160. Moving seat 150relative to reservoir 142 allows a user to position the opening in seat150 below hole 70 to receive absorbent material 74. The grooves 160 caninclude recesses 164 within which locate rollers 162 when seat 150 is inthe desired location beneath reservoir 142. The rollers 162 also providea pivot point about which seat 150 can pivot to allow seat 150 toreceive liner 154 from liner dispenser 156, as shown in FIG. 8. The seat150 pivots about the rearmost roller 162 to allow seat 150 to contactliner 154. With liner 154 having one or more adhesive tabs or anelasticated portion, pivoting seat 150 about an axis of roller 162results in a top, sides, and/or bottom of seat 150 into contact withliner 154. The adhesive tabs or elasticated portion remains in contactwith seat 150 as a user pivots seat 150 toward lip 148 or main body 140so that liner 154 extends into chamber 152.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art in light of theteaching contained herein, that the seat can move relative to thereservoir using various other manners. For instance, rollers can beformed in upper portion 146 or lip 148, with the grooves and recessesbeing formed in the seat. In other configurations, biased members, suchas springs or other biased structures, can aid with moving the seatrelative to the reservoir.

As mentioned above, chamber 152 receives liner 154 from liner dispenser156 mounted to main body 140, reservoir 142, or some other structure inclose proximity to the location of collection receptacle 120. The liner154 can have a similar configuration to that of liner 54, as illustratedin FIG. 5. With continued reference to FIG. 7, an open end of the liner54 cooperates with seat 150 or main body 140 of collection receptacle,while closed end 62 locates within chamber 152. Instead of couplingliner 154 to seat 150 as described above, a user can remove liner 154from liner dispenser 156 and mount the same to seat 150. In stillanother configuration, liner 154 releasably contacts seat 150 or mainbody 140 through the forces of friction or static electricity,optionally in addition to elasticated portion 64 (FIG. 5) coupling liner154 to seat 150 when seat 150 is pivoted toward liner dispenser 156. Instill another configuration, liner 154 includes an elastic snap ringthat cooperates with seat 150. In still another configuration, liner 154includes press-on seal plastic portions that couple liner 154 to seat150. In still another configuration, liner 154 and/or seat 150 includeone or more adhesive spots, tabs, or tapes that couple liner 154 to seat150.

In addition to the configuration described herein, one skilled in theart will appreciate that various other manners by which liner 154locates within chamber 152 and cooperates with seat 150 or main body140. For instance, in another configuration, liner dispenser 156 movesmanually or automatically toward seat 150 or main body 140 to depositliner 154. The liner dispenser 156 pivots relative to a portion of mainbody 140 and/or reservoir 142 so that moving liner dispenser 156 towardseat 150 or main body 140 releases liner 154. Movement of linerdispenser 156 relative to reservoir 142 or seat 150 relative toreservoir 142 can occur through any of a number of mechanical orelectro-mechanical devices, such as motors, gears, pneumatics,hydraulics, or other manners known to one skilled in the art, and sensorthat sense the motion of an individual.

In another configuration, collection receptacle 20 or collectionreceptacle 120 can deliver a predetermined quantity of absorbentmaterial 74. With reference to FIG. 9, a collection receptacle 180 canhave a similar configuration to collection receptacle 20 or 120. Insteadof including guide member 80 (FIG. 3) that moves under the influence oflever 86 (FIG. 3), collection receptacle 180 includes a deliverymechanism 186. The delivery mechanism 186 in cooperation with lever 86deliver the predetermined quantity of absorbent material 74.

Referring now to FIG. 10, delivery mechanism 186 includes a shaft 190mounted to lever 86 and supported by reservoir 42. The shaft 190 has anelongate configuration and cooperates with lever 86 such that movementof lever 86 causes shaft 190 to rotate. To achieve this engagement,shaft 190 can have complementary configuration to a hole 192 of lever86. For instance, shaft 190 can have a cylindrical configuration tocooperate with a cylindrical hole. Alternatively, shaft 190 can have asquare or other polygonal configuration to cooperate with a square orother polygonal hole. In this later case, the configuration of shaft 190and the hole aid with causing a driving engagement between shaft 190 andthe hole.

To control the movement of shaft 190 and lever 86, shaft 190 includes astop 191, while a spring 193 mounts to shaft 190 and connects to aportion of reservoir 42. Stop 191 prevent over-rotation of shaft 190 asit engages with a complementary stop 195 mounted to reservoir 42. Thespring 193 returns lever 86 to an initial starting position followingmovement of lever 86 until stops 191 and 195 engage, resulting in therelease a quantity of absorbent material 74. The spring 193 can alsolimit movement of lever 86 during use of collection receptacle 120 byproviding a resistance force to over rotation of lever 86. Althoughspring 193 and stops 191 and 195 are one manner of controlling themovement of lever 86, one skilled in the art can identify various othermanners.

Fixed to shaft 190 is a toothed member 194. The toothed member 194 has abody 200 with a plurality of teeth 202 extending therefrom. A hole 204passes through body 200 and accommodates shaft 190. Hole 204 can have asimilar configuration to the hole receiving the shaft 190, such thatrotation of shaft 190 under the influence of lever 86 causes rotation oftoothed member 194.

Cooperating with toothed member 194 and shaft 190 is a spindle assembly210 that rotates about shaft 190 to move absorbent material 74 frominterior chamber 72 to liner 54. Spindle assembly 210 includes a hub 212from which extends one or more paddles 214 that have generally flexibleor substantially rigid cup-type structures 219 that receive a quantityof absorbent material 74 (FIG. 9). As spindle assembly 210 rotates aboutshaft 190, paddles 214 deposit absorbent material 74 held by one or moreof cup-type structures 219 into liner 54 (FIG. 9). Alternatively, asspindle assembly 210 rotates about shaft 190, paddles 214 depositabsorbent material 74 held between one or more adjacent paddles 214 intoliner 54 (FIG. 9).

To aid with moving spindle assembly 210 relative to shaft 190, a portionof hub 212 cooperates with the toothed member 194 under the influence ofspring 218. In the exemplary configuration, the portion of hub 212includes a plurality of teeth 216 that are complementary to teeth 202 oftoothed member 194. These teeth 202 and 216 engage as spring 218 isconstrained by stop 220 and hub 212. As spring 218 attempts to expand,spring 218 forces hub 212 toward toothed member 194 so that teeth 202and 216 engage. This engagement allows toothed member 194 to force hub212 to move when shaft 190 rotates in a first direction. When shaft 190moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction teeth 202slide over the ramped portion of teeth 216 without causing hub 212 torotate. By so doing, toothed member 194 causes selective movement of hub212 and spindle assembly 210.

The teeth 202 and 216 can have various other configurations known to oneskilled in the art. Through varying the configuration of teeth 202 and216, different quantities of absorbent material 74 can be deposited intoliner 54 (FIG. 9). Teeth 202 and 216 can have lengths or spacing so thatmoving lever 86 until stops 191 and 195 engage causes one or morecup-type structures 219 to deposit absorbent material 74 into liner 54.For one defined movement of shaft 190 and lever 86, such as until stop195 prevents further rotation of shaft 190, hub 212 rotates sufficientlyto deposit absorbent material 74 (FIG. 9) from one or more cup-typestructures 219 or from one or more regions disposed between adjacentpaddles.

In still another configuration, the quantity of absorbent material 74deposited into liner 54 can be controlled by a series of movable members(not shown) that slide relative one to another upon moving lever 86. Asub-chamber formed between the two movable members; an upper movablemember that communicates with chamber 72 and a lower movable member thatcommunicates with hole 70 and/or chamber 52, holds a predeterminedquantity of absorbent material 74. Moving the lower movable memberthrough moving lever 86 in a first direction releases absorbent material74 disposed in the sub-chamber into liner 54, while closing the lowermovable member and opening the upper movable member by movement of lever86 in a second direction following movement of lever 86 in the firstdirection releases a quantity of absorbent material into thesub-chamber.

As described herein lever 86 can function to open and close the movablemembers. Optionally, moving lever 86 moves drawstring 66 to close liner54. It will be appreciated, however, that one or more levers can be usedto perform the described functions. Further, it will be understood thatvarious linkages, gears, cams, biased members, springs, and othersimilar structures can be associated with the lever and movable memberto facilitate the desired movement thereof. For instance, moving lever86 in a first direction can open the lower movable member, while movinglever 86 in a second direction opposite to the first direction allowslower movable member to close, the upper movable member to open, and thedrawstring to the drawn.

Reference is made herein to collection receptacle 20 being fixed, suchas a toilet within a building structure. It is anticipated, however,that collection receptacle 20 can be movable. FIG. 11 illustrates anexemplary movable collection receptacle 220. This collection receptacle220 is stored at a storage location, such as a closet or some otherlocation of building structure 12. Upon receipt of signal from a user ofbuilding structure 12 requesting bio-waste collection, movablecollection receptacle 220 moves from the storage location to therequesting user. This can be accomplished as control center 18 and/orlocal control center 28, in FIG. 1, uses global positioning system (GPS)technology and/or combination of various sensors and hardware andsoftware components and devices included in building structure 12 and/ormovable collection receptacle 220 to deliver control signals that directmovement of receptacle 220. For instance, control center 18 (FIG. 1) canreceive a signal indicative of a request for collection receptacle 220;the control center 18 (FIG. 1) subsequently delivering control signalsto local control center 28 (FIG. 1) or directly to movable collectionreceptacle 220 to initiate motion of collection receptacle 220 to thedesired location. The GPS technology and/or various sensors and hardwareand software components and devices can be used to track and control themovement of movable collection receptacle 220. Following bio-wastecollection, movable collection receptacle 220 returns to the storagelocation to deposit the liner into collection cart 30 within localnetwork 21 (FIG. 1).

The movable collection receptacle 220 can include one or more wheels 222that enable movement of the collection receptacle, a holding tank 224that receives the liner and collected bio-waste, and one or more arms226 that support the user of the collection receptacle. Further, movablecollection receptacle 220 can include a motor 228, such as, but notlimited to, an electric motor connected to one or more batteries orother energy cells, that is linked to the wheels through one or moretransmissions, linkages, gears, or the like known to those skill in theart. The motor moves wheels 222 under the direction of controlcomponents, indicated by reference number 230. The control components230 include, but are not limited to, various sensors, computers, andother hardware and software components and modules, which detectelectromagnetic wave signals delivered to collection receptacle 220,sense the operation of collection receptacle 220, and control themovement of collection receptacle 220 within building structure 12. Thisenables collection receptacle 220 to be programmed to move to a desiredroom or location of building structure 12 (FIG. 1) upon receiving asignal from an individual within building structure 12 (FIG. 1).

With reference to FIG. 12, and as mentioned above, building structure 12includes transportation network 21. The transportation network 21includes one or more shafts, tunnels, channels, chutes, pipes, or tubes,individually a transport member 22 and collectively transport members22, that intersect and form a path through which one or more carts 30can traverse. Additionally, network 21 includes one or more clean-outshafts or access shafts for those carts 30 that function as repair andcleaning carts. Thus, clean-out shafts or access shafts can be the sameas the other transport members 22. These transport members 22 andclean-out shafts can be incorporated into the framework of buildingstructure 12, either within an interior of or part of an exterior ofbuilding structure 12.

Disposed within or forming part of network 21 can be movable orstationary tracks, rails, cables, chains, belts, pneumatic systems,hydraulic systems 23 or other structures that serves as a transit system23 (FIG. 2B) that aids with moving carts 30 through network 21. Forinstance, one or more carts 30 can have gears that mate with a movabletrack 23 associated with the transport members 22 so that movement ofthe track causes movement of the one or more carts 30. When a transitsystem 23 such as movable or stationary tracks, rails, cables, chains,belts, pneumatic systems, hydraulic systems 23 or other structures thatserve as a transit system 23 are used, network 21 can also include oneor more motors, such as, but not limited to, electric motors, thatoperate the tracks, rails, cables, chains, belts, pneumatic hoses,hydraulic hoses, or other structures.

The network includes one or more stops 34 in close proximity to thosevertical or generally declining transport members 22 of network 21.These stops 34 prevent carts 30 from falling down such transport members22, while optionally actuating carts 30 to deposit the collectedbio-waste into such transport members 22.

The carts 30 used with network 21 can have various configurations, oneof which is depicted in FIG. 13. As shown, cart 30 includes a base 240that supports a body 242 having an interior compartment 244 thatreceives liner 54 (FIG. 2) and collected bio-waste. The body 242 ispivotally mounted to base 240 at a pivot point 246. The base 240includes a motor 248 that powers wheels 250 under the control ofhardware and software components (not shown) enabling cart 30 to movethrough transportation network 21 (FIG. 1). The motor 248 can includeone or more electric motors, hydraulic systems, and/or pneumatic systemspowered by batteries, solar cells, electrical connections with theelectrical network of building structure 12 (FIG. 1), combinationsthereof, or other manners of powering electric motors, hydraulicsystems, and/or pneumatic systems. Motor 248 can also power an actuator252, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic ram, a screw drive, or the like,that increase in length to cause body 242 to pivot relative to base 240when cart 30 deposits the collected bio-waste into a transport member 22upon encountering stop 34 (FIG. 12).

Upon depositing the collected bio-waste, the motor 248 can then shortenthe length of the actuator 252 to close or return the body 242 to theposition shown in FIG. 13. Furthermore, motor 248 can power one or moredoors 254 pivotally attached to body 242 that close or seal compartment244 when bio-waste is deposited therein. These doors 254 in combinationwith compartment 244, compact the bio-waste to form a bio-waste block orcube of bio-waste material.

Cart 30 is exemplary of one type of cart movable within transportationnetwork. The present invention further contemplates the use of servicecarts that can move along clean-out shafts to repair transportationnetwork 21 (FIG. 1) and optionally retrieve damaged or inoperable carts.These service carts can include video equipments or cameras to aid withpositioning the service carts and enable an operator to visualizeproblems with any carts or transportation network 21 (FIG. 1). Further,these service carts can include cutting tools, arms and grabbers, cabletethers, or other structures to aid with retrieving inoperable cartsand/or repair damaged portions of transport network 21 (FIG. 1).

FIGS. 14-16 show another configuration of a cart 300 that can be usedwith the network 21 of the present invention. The cart 300 is aremote-controlled vehicle for transporting the bio-waste collected fromcollection receptacles 20. Specifically, the cart or vehicle 300collects liners 54 (or 154) containing bio-waste and absorbent material74, can seal the liners 54 (if not sealed at collection receptacles 20),compacts the liners 54 of bio-waste to form bio-waste blocks or cubes ofbio-waste material in sealed liners 54, and transports the liners 54from the collection receptacles 20 (or 120) to various possiblelocations: local storage 24, a local recycle facility 26, a remoterecycle facility 14, to machines (on-site or off-site) that can turn theblocks or cubes into energy, or to other desired locations on-site oroff-site, such as a waste treatment plant.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a remote-controlled vehicle 300. InFIG. 14, the vehicle 300 is shown as it would be when in motion, e.g.,when transporting the liners from the collection receptacles 20 to anydesired destination. As shown, vehicle 300 can include a bucket portion302, a housing portion 304, and an underside 306.

FIG. 15 shows an exploded view of the remote-controlled vehicle 300 ofFIG. 14. As shown, the remote-controlled vehicle 300 can include abucket 350 for receiving bio-waste and liners 54, four wheels 308 as themode of moving the vehicle 300, and a housing 330 for holdingrechargeable batteries 334, an on-board computer 320, and groups ofelectric motors 318A-D. In the illustrated example, four batteries areprovided to power four electric motors 318A-D.

Two of the wheels 308 are attached to a front wheel gear drive 317 andtwo wheels 308 are attached to a wheel axle 311 at respective wheelmounting brackets 307 and 309. The rechargeable batteries 334 supplyelectricity to the electric motors 318A-D that perform various functionsof the vehicle 300, and thereby provides the vehicle with a certaindegree of self sufficiency.

The bucket portion 302 further comprises a heating element strip 354 forsealing the liners 54, a front wall 352 that serves as a blade forpacking the liners 54 full of bio-waste and a drive screw 360 forcompacting bio-waste liners 54. A partial cover 362 can be used to covera portion of the bucket portion 302. The partial cover 362 extends awayfrom a rear wall 364, located opposite the front wall 352.

The housing portion 304 further comprises handles 332 for closing doorson the bucket 350, and a piston 312 extending from the group of electricmotors 318. The underside portion 306 further includes a body 310 havinga cylindrically-shaped mount 311 for housing a piston 312, a drive shaft314 for controlling the front wheel gear drive 316 and that extends fromthe group of electric motors 318 to the front wheel gear drive 316,motor control boards 313 for interfacing with the computer 320 and theelectric motors 318, and a underside chassis or frame 340 for holdingthese components in place.

In at least one example, one or more of the rechargeable batteries 334may provide power to electric motor 318A to drive the drive screw 360,to electric motor 318B to drive the piston 312 to tilt the bucketportion 302, and to electric motor 318C to drive the front wheel geardrive 317. The drive screw 360 may be selectively coupled to theelectric motors 318A. In particular, the electric motors 318A may have abracket 370 having a slot 372 defined therein.

The configuration of the bracket 370 and slot 372 may allow the drivescrew 360 to disengage from the electric motors 318A when the drivescrew bucket portion 302 is tilted. Electric motors 318B may include ahydraulic pump connected to the piston 312. Electric motors 318C mayalso be directly connected to the drive shaft 314. Electric motors 318Dmay serve as auxiliary or backup motors and/or may be configured toperform additional functions. The connections described above may bemade by rods, belts, shafts, or the like. Similarly, individual motorswithin the groups of motors 318A-D may similarly be coupled. Exemplaryconfigurations of electric motors 318A-C and components associatedtherewith are illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 16A-16C.

FIG. 16A illustrates a partial exploded view of electric motor 318A anddrive screw 360. As previously introduced, the electric motor 318Aincludes a bracket 370 that has a slot defined therein 372. The electricmotor 318A includes a driving member 402. The driving member 402 isconfigured to selectively engage a driven member 404 coupled to thedrive screw 360. While the bucket portion 302 is in a non-tiltedconfiguration, illustrated in solid lines, the driving member 402engages the driven member 404 such that as the driving member 402rotates the driven member 404 also rotates thereby driving the drivescrew 360. The front door 352 includes a threaded portion that engagesthe drive screw 360 such that as drive screw 360 rotates the front door352 moves toward the rear wall 364 as described above. The drives screwmay be rotated in the opposite direction to move the front door 352 awayfrom the rear wall 364.

While in the non-tilted position, the walls of the bracket 370 thatdefine the slot 372 may constrain movement of the driven member 404 asthe driven member 404 is driven by the rotation of the driving member402 in the horizontal direction while the weight of the bucket portion302 and the drive screw 360 keep the driven member 404 in verticalcontact with the driving member 402. The configuration illustrated isone example of providing selective engagement between the driving member402 and the driven member 404 to allow disengagement of the drivenmember 402 when the bucket portion 302 is tilted. It will be appreciatedthat other configurations may be used to provide select engagementbetween the driving member 402 and the driven member 404.

As the bucket portion 302 is tilted as shown in phantom lines, the drivescrew 360 and the driven member 404 are moved out of engagement with thedriving member 404. As the bucket portion 302 is returned to theposition illustrated in solid lines, the driven member 404 is returnedto engagement with the driving member 404. In the example illustrated,the driving member 402 and the driven member 404 include gears. Otherdriving and driven members may also be provided as desired. In theillustrated example, the front door 352 includes a heating element 354secured thereto and is driven relative to a rear wall 364 that includesa partial cover 362. It will be appreciated that the front door 352 maybe stationary while a rear wall 364 is driven by the drive screw 360.Similarly, the partial cover 362 and the heating element 354 may besecured to either or both of the front door 352 and/or the rear wall364.

FIG. 16B illustrates electric motor 318B operating piston 312 to tiltbucket portion 302 between an untilted position illustrated in solidlines and a tilted position illustrated in phantom lines. The piston 312may be secured to the frame 340 at a location proximate the secondelectric motor 318B, illustrated as a rear piston pivot assembly 410.The piston 312 is able to rotate relative to the rear pivot assembly410. An opposing end of the piston 312 is secured to the bucket portion302, illustrated as a front piston pivot assembly 412. The piston 312 isalso able to rotate relative to front piston pivot assembly 412. In theexample illustrated, the front piston pivot assembly 412 is locatedabove the rear piston pivot assembly 410 when the frame 340 is generallyhorizontal.

The bucket portion 302 is also coupled to the frame 340 at a frontbucket pivot assembly 414. The front bucket pivot assembly 414 is ableto rotate about the front bucket pivot assembly 414 as the piston 312expands and compresses. The electric motor 318B may include a hydraulicpump contained therein that is coupled to the piston 312 by way of ahydraulic line 416. The electric motor 318B may thus drive the piston312 as is well known in the art.

As previously introduced, the rear piston pivot assembly 410 can belocated below the front piston pivot assembly 412. As the piston 312expands, some portion of the force resulting from the expansion willcause the front piston pivot assembly 412 to move up from the frame 340while another portion of the force will cause the front pivot assemblyto move toward the front of the frame 340, thereby causing the bucketportion 302 to pivot about the front bucket pivot assembly 414 to tiltthe bucket portion 302 as illustrated in phantom lines. Accordingly, theelectric motor 318B may be configured to provide a motive force to thepiston 312 to tilt the bucket portion 302. Additionally, the operationof the drive screw has been illustrated for ease of reference only. Itwill be appreciated that the drive screw may be located in a recess orshaft beneath and that a corresponding shaped front or rear wall or doormay have a tab or other protrusion that extends into the recess toengage the drive screw. Other configurations are also possible forisolating or shielding the drive screw from liners or other items loadedinto the bucket portion 302. In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 15, ashield 420 may be located over the drive screw 360. In such aconfiguration, the front wall 352 may move over the shield 420 and mayinclude a slot 422 that allows the front wall 352 to travel over theshield 420 while retaining engagement with the drive screw 360. Theshield 420 in turn may include one or more recess 424 to allow thelateral portions of the front door 352 to slide relative to the shield420.

FIG. 16C illustrates electric motor 318C. In the illustrated example,the drive shaft 314 is secured directly to the drive motor 318C. Theshaft 314 in turn is secured to the front gear assembly 317.Accordingly, the electric motor 318C may drive front wheels 318. Each ofthe electrically controlled by on-board computer 320.

In particular, utilizing the on-board computer 320, the vehicle 300receives signals from a remote location, typically the control center18, to perform a function and/or to travel to a particular destinationfor either pick-up of bio-waste or dumping of already collectedbio-waste. These communications and requests can be made using any typeof telecommunication network, including wireless, microwave, radiofrequency, fiber optic, combinations thereof, or other telecommunicationtechnology that enables transmitting and receiving, collectivelytransceiving, of signals. Once signals are received by the vehicle 300,the motor control board 306 interfaces with the computer 320 to actuatethe electric motors 318A-D to perform the various functions that areperformed by the vehicle 300.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 14 and 15, many of the functions arepre-programmed. For example, once the vehicle 300 receives bio-waste andabsorbent material 74, the computer 320 is programmed to start all thefunctions of the vehicle 300 in sequence while the vehicle 300 is inmotion. The computer 320 controls the opening and closing of thevehicle's doors, starts the heating element strip 354 to seal the liners54 with the bio-waste and absorbent material 74 inside the liners 74 (ifnot sealed at collection receptacles 20), and then activates wall 352and the drive screw 360 to compact the liners 54 of bio-waste andabsorbent material 74 into bio-waste blocks or cubes. In this way, thevehicle 300 performs many functions automatically.

In at least one example, the drive screw 360 is rotated to move thefront wall 360 toward the rear wall 364. As the front wall 360 advancestoward the rear wall 352, the heating element 354 is moved towardcontact with the partial cover 362. In at least one example, the drivescrew 360 may advance the heating element 354 into contact with thepartial cover 362. Such a configuration may act as a limit for theadvancement of the front wall 360. Regardless of whether the heatingelement 354 comes into contact with the partial cover 362, the heatingelement 354 may apply heat to the liners 54. The liners 54 may be madeof a material that shrinks and/or seals due to the application. Theheating element 354 may receive power to heat the liners 54 from therechargeable batteries 334, such as by way of a flex cable 366.

While the vehicle 300 is performing a compacting function, it alsotypically will be transporting the liners 54 of bio-waste and absorbentmaterial 74 to one of several possible locations, which may be chosen atthe discretion of the controller situated at the remote location(possibly the control center 18) or it will be transporting the liners54 of bio-waste and absorbent material 74 to a pre-programmed location:local storage 24, a local recycle facility 26, a remote recycle facility14, to machines (on-site or off-site) that can turn the blocks or cubesinto energy, or to other desired locations on-site or off-site, such asa waste treatment plant.

When the doors of the vehicle 300 are closed, the vehicle is performingthe compacting function. After the liners 54 of bio-waste and absorbentmaterial 74 are compacted into bio-waste blocks or cubes, however, theblocks are dumped over the front wall 352. Dumping destinations mayinclude any of the destinations listed above, including, as mentionedabove with respect to FIG. 12, depositing the collected bio-waste andabsorption material 74 into a transport member 22, e.g., when a vehiclereaches a stop 34. As shown in FIG. 12, when dumped in this manner, thecollected bio-waste and absorption material 74 is dumped into a verticaltransport member 22, i.e., a stop 34 immediately precedes a verticaltransport member 22. Although these are two disclosed mechanisms ofvehicle 300 of FIG. 15, other dumping mechanisms are possible.

For example, FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of the vehicle 300 of FIG.14 while performing an unloading operation. Specifically, the bucket 350tilts off of the underside portion 306 and rotates forward so thatliners 54 of bio-waste and absorbent material 74 can drop out of thebucket 350 over wall 352. This event causes the bucket 350 to tiltforward, off of the underside portion C so that liners 54 of bio-wasteand absorbent material 74 can drop out of the bucket 350 over wall 352.

The various functions of the vehicle 300 can be accomplished in manydifferent ways, and the invention is not limited to the mechanismsdisclosed. For example, the liners 54 can be sealed in methodsadditional to those disclosed. Also, the vehicle 300 itself may bedesigned differently and is not limited to that disclosed in thefigures. To maneuver within the shafts, tunnels, channels, chutes,pipes, or tubes that collectively comprise the transport members 22 of anetwork 21, however, the vehicle 300 is approximately seven inches tall,approximately fifteen inches long, and approximately nine inches wide.

As mentioned previously, and with reference to FIG. 12, carts 30transport the packaged bio-waste material to local storage 24. Thislocal storage 24 can include one or more storage devices 36 that preparethe bio-waste material for long-term or short-term storage. The storagedevices 36 can be manually operated by one or more users of buildingstructure 12 or can automatically receive and process the collectedbio-waste. Illustratively, storage devices 36 can include, but are notlimited to, freezing devices, ozone treating devices, washing andsanitizing equipment, vacuum sealing device, such as, but not limitedto, a plastic bag vacuum sealing device, or other devices or equipmentthat aids with preparing the bio-waste material for long-term orshort-term storage. For instance, upon delivering the bio-waste materialto local storage 24, storage device 36 can freeze the bio-waste materialto enable storage of the same within a refrigerated area of localstorage 24. In another configuration, upon delivering the bio-wastematerial to local storage 24, storage device 36 can vacuum seal thebio-waste material within a plastic container to enable storage of thesame within local storage 24. Those skilled in the art know variousmanners and mechanisms to perform such functions.

Generally, the present invention provides mechanisms for collection,storing and optionally recycling bio-waste material produced in abuilding structure. The present invention provides mechanisms fortransporting locally produced bio-waste material to a remote recyclefacility that uses the bio-waste material as a fuel source. By so doing,methods, systems, and devices of the present invention alleviate theneed for water as the primary carrier for removing bio-waste andpreserve natural resources. Additionally, the present invention providesmethods, system, and devices that can facilitate conversion of bio-wastematerial into an energy resource.

The present invention can be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

1. A system within a building structure for collecting bio-wastematerial without using water as a carrier of the bio-waste, the systemcomprising: (a) a waterless collection receptacle within the buildingstructure, said waterless collection receptacle supporting a liner thatreceives the bio-waste material directly from an occupant of thebuilding structure; (b) a transport network within the buildingstructure and extending from said waterless collection receptacle to astorage receptacle where said liner, with the bio-waste, is stored; and(c) a cart movable within said transport network from said waterlesscollection receptacle to said storage receptacle, said cart receivingsaid liner, with the bio-waste material, from said collection receptacleas said liner, with the bio-waste material, drops into said cart toremove said liner, with the bio-waste, from said collection receptaclewithout using water as the carrier.
 2. The system as recited in claim 1,wherein said collection receptacle comprises a reservoir that containsan absorbent material and a guide member to direct said absorbentmaterial into said liner.
 3. The system as recited in claim 1, whereinsaid collection receptacle comprises a main body including a reservoirthat contains an absorbent material, a lower portion adapted forattachment to a floor of the building structure, and an upper portionadapted to support a seat.
 4. The system as recited in claim 3, whereinsaid absorbent material within said reservoir is selected from the groupconsisting of paper, plant materials, recycled cellulose fibers, seeds,wood, bark, shavings, sawdust, ground corncobs, shredded stover, stocks,cornstarch, straw, flax, oat, wheat, chopped haw, shells, husks of coca,cottonseed, or chia seeds.
 5. The system as recited in claim 1, whereinsaid collection receptacle comprises a toilet.
 6. The system as recitedin claim 1, wherein said cart comprises a base that supports a bodyincluding an interior compartment adapted to receive said liner.
 7. Asystem within a building structure for collecting bio-waste materialwithout using water, the system comprising: (a) a waterless collectionreceptacle within the building structure, said waterless collectionreceptacle comprising an upper portion with a first opening, a lowerportion with a second opening, and a chamber extending from said firstopening to said second opening that receives a liner that receives thebio-waste material directly from an occupant of the building structure;(b) a transport network within the building structure and extending fromsaid waterless collection receptacle to a storage receptacle where saidliner, with the bio-waste, is stored; and (c) a cart movable within saidtransport network from said waterless collection receptacle to saidstorage receptacle, said cart receiving said liner, with the bio-wastematerial, from said collection receptacle as said liner, with thebio-waste material, drops into said cart through said second opening insaid waterless collection receptacle to remove said liner, with thebio-waste, from said collection receptacle without using water as thecarrier.
 8. The system as recited in claim 7, wherein said collectionreceptacle comprises a main body including a reservoir that contains anabsorbent material and a delivery mechanism to deliver said absorbentmaterial to said liner.
 9. The system as recited in claim 7, whereinsaid liner is coated with an absorbent material.
 10. The system asrecited in claim 7, wherein said liner further comprises a drawstring.11. The system as recited in claim 7, wherein said cart comprises a basethat supports a body including an interior compartment adapted toreceive said liner.
 12. The system as recited in claim 11, wherein saidcart further comprises an actuator mounted to said body and said base,said actuator moving said body about a pivot point to deposit saidliner, with the bio-waste.
 13. The system as recited in claim 12,wherein said cart further comprises a plurality of doors.
 14. A systemwithin a building structure for collecting bio-waste material withoutusing water, the system comprising: (a) a first waterless collectionreceptacle within the building structure, said waterless collectionreceptacle supporting a first liner that receives the bio-waste materialdirectly from an occupant of the building structure; (b) a secondwaterless collection receptacle within the building structure, saidsecond waterless collection receptacle supporting a second liner thatreceives the bio-waste material indirectly from the occupant of thebuilding structure; (c) a transport network within the buildingstructure and extending from each of said first waterless collectionreceptacle and said second waterless collection receptacle to a storagereceptacle where each of said first liner, with the bio-waste, and saidsecond liner, with the bio-waste is stored; and (d) a cart movablewithin said transport network from each of said first waterlesscollection receptacle and said second waterless collection receptacle tosaid storage receptacle, said cart receiving (i) said first liner, withthe bio-waste material, from said first waterless collection receptacleand (ii) said second liner, with the bio-waste material, from saidsecond waterless collection receptacle as, respectively, said firstliner, with the bio-waste material, and said second liner, with thebio-waste, drop into said cart to remove, respectively, said firstliner, with the bio-waste, and said second liner, with the bio-waste,without using water as the carrier.
 15. The system as recited in claim14, wherein said first waterless collection receptacle comprises a mainbody including an upper portion with a first opening, a lower portionwith a second opening, and a chamber that extends from said firstopening to said second opening.
 16. The system as recited in claim 14,wherein said first liner is mountable to a portion of said firstwaterless collection receptacle.
 17. The system as recited in claim 14,wherein said first liner comprises adhesive tabs or elasticatedportions.
 18. The system as recited in claim 14, wherein said firstcollection receptacle comprises a main body including a reservoir thatcontains an absorbent material, a seat pivotally mounted to said mainbody, and an upper portion of said main body including a plurality ofgrooves adapted to receive a portion of said seat.
 19. The system asrecited in claim 18, wherein said seat further comprises a plurality ofrollers, said plurality of rollers being received within said pluralityof grooves to enable slidable movement of said seat relative to saidmain body.
 20. The system as recited in claim 19, further comprising aliner dispenser mounted to said main body.